Seven months after a boat mishap that claimed the lives of over one hundred villagers in Gbajibo community in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, another unfortunate boat mishap has occurred claiming the lives of twenty seven locals who were said to be returning from Niger State on a market expedition
While leading the state delegation to sympathize with the people of the Gbajibo community, Chairman of Kaiama local government area says a seven man committee would be set up to prevent night travelling and overcrowding on the waterways across the community.
About seven months ago, a boat mishap claimed over hundreds lives in this same Gbajibo community in the Kaiama local government area of Kwara State as a result of overcrowding and travelling on the water ways at night.
Another boat mishap has occurred in the same community of Gbajibo with twenty seven lives lost, an incident that is becoming an annual water transportation challenge in the community despite government intervention with sensitization and distribution of live jackets.
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The survivors and boat driver who spoke through an interpreter noted that the incident happened at night while returning from Niger State as a result of overloading while the breeze of impending rain also contributed to the incident.
In his reaction to the incident, Chairman of kaima local government, Abdullah Danladi who led the government delegation to commiserate with the families of the victims said the government will no longer tolerate what appears like a yearly occurrence and will set up a committee to ensure compulsory usage of life jackets and stoppage of night travelling among other measures.
The Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Umar says enlightenment will be intensified to ensure passengers and boat operators adhere to water traveling safety standard
To address this annual transportation challenge in the riverine communities, government must raise stiffer measures while the locals must also value their own lives and adhere strictly to the laid down rules of engagement.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
